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Cultural Diversity Training: "Diversity U"

The mission of the Valdosta State University Cultural Diversity Team is to work with faculty, staff and students in the university community to create an environment that is strengthened and empowered by its diversity. The Team attempts to increase communication, understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and addresses some of the important systemic issues of multiculturalism facing our society, but more importantly those of our own campus.

The major goals of the Team are to:

  • offer an opportunity for in-depth diversity training and skills-building;
  • focus on some of the unique issues that faculty, students and staff face working with a culturally diverse population; and
  • create a multicultural environment in which an open, cross-cultural dialogue can occur.

Providing diversity training to our campus community is a critical component to the continued growth, and success of this University. A cross-section of faculty, students and staff have been trained by The National MultiCultural Institute (NMCI), which is one of the first organizations to recognize the need for new services, knowledge, and skills in the growing field of multiculturalism and diversity. Diversity Trainers will assist in providing two three-hour diversity training sessions with faculty, staff, and students each semester.

We also have Diversity Lead Learners who work within their respective divisions to increase communication, understanding and respect among those of diverse backgrounds, as well as support diversity-related activities and programs.

The Team has a goal is to create a campus environment that is empowered by its differences, and to increase a feeling of inclusion and cultural appreciation.

“Achieving Excellence through Diversity”